2012 Honda Civic engine problems

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Engine, Steering · CA

Component or system failure: The vehicle experienced failures involving the engine/ignition system, emissions system, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and power steering. On July 14, 2025, warning messages appeared for “Check Emissions System,” “Check VSA System,” and “Check Power Steering System.” Diagnostics identified engine misfire code P0304 (Cylinder #4). On August 11, 2025, an authorized Honda dealership confirmed a seized spark plug and cylinder head damage, indicating an internal engine defect. The vehicle is currently with the selling dealership and available for inspection. Safety risk: Simultaneous failure warnings for emissions, VSA, and power steering created an unsafe driving condition. Impaired stability control and power steering increase the risk of loss of vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. Confirmation of problem: Yes. Independent diagnostics confirmed the misfire. The selling dealer attempted repairs between July 22–25, 2025, but the same warnings returned. On August 8, 2025, the dealer admitted it lacked tools and software to diagnose or repair CNG vehicles. Honda later confirmed internal engine damage. Inspections: The vehicle was inspected by the selling dealer and an authorized Honda dealership. A third-party warranty administrator authorized a tear-down inspection. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Honda Motor Co. or the federal safety agency. Prior warnings and recall concern: Warnings first appeared on July 14, 2025, about two weeks after purchase, and recurred despite repairs. The 2012 Honda Civic CNG has multiple recalls involving engine, fuel, and emissions systems, and these failures are consistent with known defect patterns, warranting further investigation.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

So according to Honda Service Bulletin 20-030, all honda civic 2012-2015 hybrids having IMA Motor Power Inverter (MPI) have to fixed. I have the SAME CAR, SAME MODEL, SAME YEAR AND SAME ERROR CODES AS THE SERVICE BULLETIN AND THIS IS SUCH A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL POWER INVERTER ISSUE. Yet HONDA IS denying to work on it, even though there is 15 years or 150,000 miles warranty for this specific issue and MY CAR HAS 95000 miles. Yet HONDA is trying to run away from fixing it by claiming the VIN number is not associating whereby MY CAR IS EXACT SAME AS THE MODEL, year and issue for the GIVEN SERVICE BULLETIN. This is complete absurd and consumer rights are being thrown away by Honda. I am very sure that my United States the federal safety agency, state consumer protection, federal trade commission, all are going to help me and make Honda pay for this. I have attached the service bulletin and here my error codes on the car: P1437 Motor Drive Module (MDM) Short Circuit POA78 Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Clear Confirmed & Pending Trouble Codes 2 Pending Trouble Codes POA78 Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Clear Confirmed & Pending Trouble Codes ^ ^ 2 Permanent Trouble Codes POA78 P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction

Filed Jun 23, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

The IMA inverter system keeps malfunctioning without any clear reasons, and the car is in drive mode, which makes the electric motor unresponsive. Additionally, the braking system also malfunctions, leading to a lack of control over the vehicle. I have tried to repair it multiple times, but to no avail. It keeps malfunctioning without any apparent reason.

Filed Jul 28, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago from a dealer. In the short time I have had the car, there have been multiple issues presented. Bluetooth has been malfunctioning (connects the disconnects), window regulator has had to be replaced three times now (window kept disconnecting from the track and would cause the window to go down sideways and get stuck), more recently the AC condenser went out (it was reported as the condenser has small pieces of metal inside preventing the freon to get into the system and cool the inside of the vehicle).

Filed May 15, 2023 · Engine · PA

When starting from a stopped position, there is a squeal when letting out the clutch. I took it back to the dealership 3x and they couldn't duplicate it. Apparently it is a known issue as there are bulletins on it. It happens almost every time, especially on a slight incline.

Filed Jul 13, 2022 · Engine · MA

So on 11/6/19 Silko Honda Raynham, MA worked on my car for recall {campaign recall 19-106 6bd00- 2012 civic cold emissions gas reduction) So ever since this update on my computer I had non stop tightening gas cap which has been replaced with dealer cap did not work, and when the gas cap light goes out then get check emissions light does this non stop between both lights throughout the day everyday, I've had every single thing fixed that says with the code I get from check engine light nothing works but it passes inspection all I can think of is computer update only thing makes since .Also had 3 smoke test to comes back no leaks. the code I get is this P0497,p145c it has 7 things to do to resolve code which are 1)reconnection of hoses 2)wiring replacement 3)vacuum 4)charcoal canister replacement 5)canister purge valve replacement 6)gas cap replacement 7)clearing of codes and retesting with scan tool to ensure the problem is fixed. IVE DONE ALL AND STILL HAPPENING!! VIN # [XXX] 2012 Honda civic LX Mileage is at -99,535 [XXX] Cell # [XXX] “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jun 17, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · 64,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was extremely hot air was throughout the vehicle. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the air condition compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Filed Mar 4, 2021 · Engine, Steering · 81,491 miles · MA

We almost got killed trying to turn the wheel to get off the highway. The steering wheel issue was already looked at by my mechanic. He said it was the alternator and replaced that instead. I was charged for the alternator! I took it back after we were almost killed. He fixed the steering issue but now the car doesn't steer right away after the car is turned on! What should I do now? It stays locked and you can only go frontwards and back!! We have to keep going back and forth till it unlocks! What is wrong with the engine of this car? I don't drive far. It only has 81491 miles on it. On the mechanic's bill steering issue electronic steering motor- remove & replace- all applicable models. Did you receive this message? When do I get my money back from honda for their mistakes? I am 68 years old disabled woman who needs help with this bill. Honda should pay the bill for me. I have to live on 954.00 a month live in state housing. Please help me!! [xxx] cell: [xxx] thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 30, 2020 · Engine · 112,000 miles · OK

The vehicle seems to burn oil very fast even though it has been maintained properly throughout the years. I've had to fill up the oil 3 times between oil changes due to this issue and no leaks have been found after a thorough search.

Filed May 15, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 78,550 miles · GA

On 3/15/2019 I was driving on a city street when multiple warning lights illuminated (check engine, brake malfunction, ima battery, charging malfunction). The car was towed to the dealership. Once there, they determine that the problem was related to rodents chewing from wires which damaged the fuel line and ima system. After this was repaired, the car still had failure codes due to mechanical issues with the car's system. Troubleshooting LED the technician to determine that the motor power inverter needed to be replaced. This required them to also have to replace the junction board. After they were installed, the ima light stayed on, the battery would not charge, and the car continued to recode. They had to put in a test mcm and a second mpi (since the first one malfunctioned as well). This occurred over the course of almost two months. They could not determine a specific cause that LED to the system malfunction, so it appeared to be a manufacturing issue. I was charged for the repairs as well as almost two months of rental car fees.